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Punjab CM defends sacrilege law amid Akal Takht pushback
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann arrived at the Golden Temple to defend a new stricter law on sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, saying it was finalised after consultations with lawyers. He criticised the SGPC's stance and noted an Akal Takht summons for a Punjab Assembly Speaker, while also railing against the BJP and opposing political alignments. The remarks were made alongside references to ongoing religious and political tensions in Punjab.
Why It Matters
The enactment of the stricter sacrilege law and the Akal Takht pushback highlight tensions between Sikh religious institutions and political actors, potentially shaping Punjab's governance and regional politics.
Timeline
5 Events
Accusations against Akalis over control of religious bodies
May 7, 2026
Mann claimed the SAD and the Badal family monopolise religion and that office-bearers of religious bodies are appointed at the behest of the Badal family, saying the SAD and Badal family are politically shattered.
Warning against SAD-BJP alliance
May 7, 2026
Mann warned that any renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP would be two sides of the same coin, driven by political survival and self-interest rather than Punjabis' welfare.
Mann attacks BJP on anti-Punjab moves at Rayya
May 7, 2026
In an address at Rayya town, Mann said the BJP’s anti-Punjab mindset has been exposed repeatedly, citing the deaths of 700 farmers during the farmers’ agitation and alleging attempts to weaken Punjab’s rights, resources and identity, including diversions of waters and other measures.
Speaker Sandhwan summoned to Akal Takht for discussion
May 7, 2026
The Punjab assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was summoned to Akal Takht for discussion on May 8, 2026, regarding the sacrilege law.
Mann arrives at Golden Temple to thank for sacrilege law
May 7, 2026
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann arrived at the Golden Temple to express gratitude for the enactment of a stricter law against sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. He stated the law was finalised after deep deliberation with renowned Sikh lawyers and noted that Sant Samaj was present in the governor’s gallery during passage; he added the Vidhan Sabha passed the Bill unanimously after cabinet approval, and that the draft was prepared after consultations.